Washing machine with water-softening means and acid neutralizing means



Feb. 24, 1970 s. BOROCHANER 3,496,740

WASHING MACHINE WITH WATER-SOFTENING MEANS AND ACID NEUTRALIZING MEANS Filed Nov. 6, 1967 MIXER INVENTOR STUART BOROCHA N51? ATTORNEYS.

United States Patent C) US. CI. 6812 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Washing machine with water-softening means and acid neutralizing means wherein an automatic selector valve is provided which in its normal position allows fresh water to be fed to Water-softening means and then to the washing machine with acid neutralizing means being provided in the fresh water line, upstream of the water-softening means and preferably downstream of the automatic selector valve. At one point in the washing cycle the automatic selector valve is moved to a different position which cuts off the fiow of fresh water and instead allows regenerating brine to flow to the water-softening means.

This invention relates to a clothes washing machine, especially an automatic washing machine and it particularly relates to machines of the type having means for softening hard water and means for neutralizing acid water.

It is well known that water which contains large amounts of dissolved materials, such as calcium and magnesium salts is hard in that it lessens the cleansing action of soap or detergent. This is because the salts in the hard water react with the soap or detergent and thereby require additional soap or detergent for a given cleansing operation. Furthermore, the reaction product of hard water and soap or detergent is an undesirable scum.

In view of the foregoing it has been proposed to incorporate water-softening means in washing machines and dishwashers. However, the addition of a water-softening system to a home constitutes an added expense, such that the presence of water-softening devices in the home is still very far from universal practice. Nevertheless, it is generally recognized that the presence of a water softener apparatus for use with a dishwasher or washing machine is most desirable since the savings in soap or detergent and the more satisfactory operation of the mechanical equipment will more than justify the added expense, particularly in areas of hard water. In spite of the foregoing the addition of water-softening means to devices like automatic washing machines has not been done in the mass market, and the probable cause of this is the combination of the lack of a reliable device plus the inability to break the cost barrier.

The foregoing problems have been solved by the automatic washing machine with water-softening means of Borochaners Patent No. 3,204,767.

In particular the Borochaner Patent No. 3,204,767 discloses and claims an automatic washing machine with water-softening means incorporating a selector valve whereby towards the end of the washing cycle the raw water line is closed and the regenerative brine is passed through the water-softener device in an automatic manner. In this way there is little for the housewife to do except to check occasionally to see if there is adequate brine in the regenerative tank and also to have the ion exchange resin occasionally checked.

It is thus clear that the Borochaner device is not only appealing to a housewife from a mechanical standpoint, but its relatively modest cost as compared to conventional 3,496,740 Patented Feb. 24, 1970 machines not having water-softening means makes it extremely attractive.

The water-softening means relies upon natural or artificial zeolite or other base exchange resins which effectively softens water. However, when the water is on the acid side, and has a pH of 6.0 or less it has been found that the ion exchange resin is attacked and the protective coating therefor is eaten away, such that the resin becomes ineffective in a relatively short time. This is a serious problem because it is believed that about 20-30% of the homes in the country have acid water problems. Thus, if acid water is utilized in the machine of Borochaner Patent No. 3,204,767 it will be found that the ion exchange resin will soon become inefiective. In such a case the machines would lose in certain areas of the country a hard Won acceptance because of apparent maintenance problems.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine with both water-softening means and acid neutralizing means in order to promote effective and long lasting operation of the water-softening component.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic washing machine which requires relatively little maintenance by the housewife.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic clothes washing machine wherein the water-softening means and acid neutralizing means are integrated into the washing cycle.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic clothes washing machine with watersoftening and acid neutralizing means which will selectively deliver softened neutral water either to the washing tub of the machine or to a separate outlet Where it becomes available for other household uses.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine of relatively low cost and low maintenance.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein:

The single figure of the drawing shows schematically the washing machine with water-softening means and acid neutralizing means in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Before referring to the drawing it is to be pointed out that the acid neutralizing means utilized in the present invention requires very little space so that it, together with water-softening means can be built into conventional washing machines without changing the outward appearance of the machine. For this reason the drawing of the present invention is presented in schematic form for the sake of simplicity. However, the present invention also contemplates the placement of one or both of the water-softening means and acid neutralizing means outside of the washing machine. The present invention further contemplates that one or both of the water-softening means and acid neutralizing means is a permanent or cartridge type unit which may be in separate tanks or in a single tank.

In accordance with the present invention the acid neutralizing means will be placed upstream of the watersoftening means with the selector valve of Borochaner Patent No. 3,204,767 being positioned upstream of the acid neutralizing means, such that raw water flows to the acid neutralizing means and water softening means may be cut off by automatic movement of the selector valve either at the start of the final rinse cycle or at any time thereafter until the completion of the washing load so long as the regenerative brine has been passed to the ice 3 water-softening means so that the water-softening means is ready for a new washing load.

The ion exchange resins utilized in the present invention are well known and are exemplified by Amberlite, a cation resin manufactured by the Rohm and Haas Company of Philadelphia, Pa.

In the acid neutralizing means, the chemical known as Calcite (crushed limestone) may be utilized. Calcite is about 98% calcium carbonate with less than /2 of a percent of iron oxides. Where the raw water pH is less than 5.0 it is treated with the Calcite and equal proportions of a chemical known as Corsex which is essentially magnesium oxide. Alternatively soda ash may be utilized.

Referring now in greater detail to the single figure of the drawing, the washing machine with water-softening means and acid neutralizing means constituting an em bodiment of the invention is shown as basically comprising a washing machine 12 which is suppiled by inlet hot and cold water lines 14 and 16, with the inlet water passing to water-softening means 18 as allowed by the normal position of automatic selector valve 20. As further shown, acid neutralizing means 22 is positioned upstream of the water-softening means 18 in inlet line 36.

The hot and cold inlet lines 14 and 26 first pass through a master valve 24 which is of well known construction such that it will shift to a closed position when both the hot and cold water inlet lines are shut off". Valve 24 may be a piston type with two heads, one for each of the hot and cold inlets, with the valve 24 being opened under the action of solenoid 26 as will be discussed in connection with the operation of the present invention. Where desired the master valve 24 may be provided with a manual operating means 28 which is preferably used when it is desired to withdraw softened water from spigot 30 without energizing the master switch. This is also a protective feature because if the machine were allowed to run without the fiow of water into the tub, this would not only be a waste of electrical and mechanical energy, but might cause damage to the machine.

As further shown in the drawing the inlet water leaves the mixer 32 and then passes via line 34 to the automatic selector valve 20. It can be readily appreciated from a study of the drawing that as shown in the drawing the automatic selector valve 20 in its normal position permits the inlet water to flow from line 34 into line 36 and then upwardly through acid-neutralizing means 22. The watersoftening means 18 is connected to the acid neutralizing means 22 by means of short line 38, such that the inlet water enters the ion exchange means 18 at the bottom thereof, after the pH of the inlet water has been adjusted upwardly to a satisfactory level by the acid neutralizing means 22.

As will be discussed in detail hereinafter the automatic selector valve 20 is a two-position automatic valve such that in its normal position, it permits the passage of inlet water to acid neutralizing means 22. As this fiow occurs, valve 20 automatically closes communication between regenerating tank 40 and the water-softening means 18. It can be readily appreciated that when the selector valve 20 is automatically actuated, preferably when the washing machine is in the final rinse cycle the automatic selector valve 20 will rotate in a clockwise sense approximately 90 from the position shown in the drawing. In this latter position, regenerating brine will now be able to flow downwardly from the tank 40 and through lines 42 and 44 and then upwardly to the water-softening means 18.

The action of the automatic selector valve 20 is controlled by solenoid 45 as will be discussed hereinafter. It can be seen that when the automatic selector valve 20 allows the regenerating brine to flow, its new position automatically prevents the further flow of inlet water into the water-softening means 18. A check valve 46 is interposed in the line 48 to prevent back-up flow through the line 48 when inlet water is passing through the line 34 to the water-softening means 18. When the automatic selector valve 20 permits the fiow of regenerating brine, such brine upon passing through the water-softening means 18 flows downwardly through the water-softening means 18 then through outlet line 50 to the drain 52 by pump 54. The brine is preferably held in the means 18 for a predetermined time to assure adequate contact. Then valve 70 opens with the turning on of pump 54.

Returning now to the normal operation of the washing machine, prior to the regenerating step, there is further shown in the drawing that the softened water passes upwardly from the water-softening means 18 through a line 56 and then through a valve 58 which is constructed to be selectively positioned to direct water from line 56 either to the tub valve 60 or through auxiliary line 62 to be drawn off at spigot 30 that is preferably located on the outside of the washing machine in an accessible place.

Whenever it is necessary to drain the tub at a particular point in the washing cycle, the water drains downwardly through the line 64 into the drain 52 under the action of discharge pump 54. In so doing the drain water passes through normally closed valve 66 which is opened for purposes of drainage under the action of solenoid 68. A corresponding normally closed drainage valve 70 is provided in the regenerating brine drainage line, and is actuated by a corresponding solenoid 72.

In view of the foregoing description, it can be seen that the inlet hot and cold water passes from the lines 14 and 16 and then through the master valve 24 to the mixer 32. The selector valve solenoid 45 is normally deactivated thereby permitting the selector valve 20 to remain in its normal position of passing inlet water to water-softening means 18. In washing stages where fresh water is required the selector valve will therefore be in the position of the figure of the drawing such that the inlet water flows from the mixer 32 through line 34, and then through the selector valve 20. The inlet water then passes into line 36 and then through. thea cid neutralizing means 22, finally reaching the water-softening means 18 by passage through the short line 38. The softened water emerges from the water-softening means 18, preferably at the top thereof and then passes through the line 56 to the tub 12 through line 74 and valve 60 which is normally opened. The valve 60 may be provided with a solenoid actuated shut-off device (not shown).

When it is desired that the water be discharged from the tub 12 in accordance with the command of a particular washing stage, the water may be pumped out of the tub 12 by means of pump 54 which will cause the water to be discharged through the drain 52. The water in passing from the tub 12 to the drain 52 will be discharged through line 64 and then through normally closed valve 66 which is opened under the command of solenoid 68.

When the latter portion of the washing process is reached, such as in the spin cycle, it is desirable that the water-softening means 18 be revitalized so that it will be ready for the next washing load, and in this way the possibility of exhausting the Water-softening means will be minimized. Towards this end, it is desirable that the Water-softening means he revitalized by a regenerating fluid. While it has been suggested that such revitalizing be done manually, it has been found that the necessity for a housewife to introduce regenerating fluid at a specific time would practically nullify the commercial value of such a machine. Therefore, it has been found that the automatic operation of selector valve 20 is quite important. Thus, the solenoid 45 is actuated by the automatic closing of switch 47 on signal from the washing machine control mechanism with the spin cycle. This advances the selector valve 20 in a clockwise sense as shown in the figure of the drawing, such that the inlet row water line is now shut-off, but the regenerating brine can pass downwardly from the tank 40 through the line 44 and then upwardly through valve 46 and into the line 48 and then to the top of the water-softening means 18.

After the passage of a predetermined amount of time (holding time), valve 70 is opened with the valve 66 remaining closed. The regenerating brine passes downwardly from the water-softening means 18, and then is pumped to drain 52 by pump 54 with the exhausted brine passing through the line 50 and then through valve 70 which is now opened under the action of solenoid 72.

It therefore can be appreciated that it is a relatively simple matter to tie in the action of automatic selector valve 20 with the various washing stages of the washing machine. It can be seen that when the selector valve 20 is in the water passing position of the drawing, that the valves 66 and 70 will remain normally closed. When it is necessary to empty out the tub 12, the washing machine mechanism will send a signal to open the valve 66. Alternatively, when the selector valve moves to permit regenerating brine to pass into the water-softening means 18, the valve 70 will be automatically opened after a predetermined time under the command of solenoid 72 upon signal from the washing machine mechanism.

The master valve solenoid 26 is electrically actuated by turning on the master switch 76. As further shown in the drawing, the regenerating brine solenoid 72 and the tub discharge solenoid 68 are connected in parallel with respect to the master switch 76, with the selector valve solenoid being separately actuated.

In the operation of the washing machine, the master switch 76 is closed, thereby actuating the master valve 24 to move it into open position. This permits hot and cold water to flow through the lines 14 and 16, with their relative flow adjusted as desired in the mixing chamber 32. The automatic selector valve 20 is normally in a position to permit passage of inlet water to the Water-softening means, and thus in its normal position the automatic selector valve will permit water to pass to the tub 12 unless such passage is prevented by the closing of normally open valve 60 in accordance with the demands of the particular stage of the wash cycle. At this time the switch 78 is still open so that the solenoids 68 and 72 are not energized with the net result being that the valves 66 and 70 are closed while the valve 60 is open. In this condition softened water flows freely to the tub 12 until the command of a particular stage in the cycle closes the valve 60 in a conventional manner.

When the water in the tub reaches a pre-determined level a switch (not shown) will be closed which in turn closes the valve 60 in a manner well known in the art. At the same time the switch 78 will be closed to actuate the solenoids 68 and 72. Thus, as the washing cycle proceeds the automatic selector valve will remain in the position of the figure of the drawing such that water will pass to the tub 12 whenever the valve 60 is opened. Whenever the pump 54 is actuated, the valves 66 and 70 will be opened under the command of solenoids 68 and 72 at the closing of switch 78, such that the water to be disposed or the spent regenerating brine, as the case may be, may be pumped to the drain 52.

In view of the foregoing description it can be seen that the present invention involves the equipping of a washing machine with water-softening means and acid neutralizing means. The automatic selector valve of the present invention will normally pass fresh water through the aforesaid two means, and in this way the ion exchange means will have a long life and will not be attacked by acid water.

Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully illustrate my invention that others may, by applying current or future knowledge, readily adapt the same for use under various conditions of service.

What is claimed as the invention is:

1. In a washing machine having a wash tub in fluid connection with an ion-exchange chamber, an ion-exchange material in said chamber, a first inlet into said ion-exchange chamber, a first outlet from said ion-exchange chamber opposite said first inlet, a second inlet into and a second outlet from said ion-exchange chamber, said second inlet and outlet being opposed to each other in reversed position relative to said first inlet and outlet, said first and second inlets being in fluid communication with an automatic selector valve, said selector valve being in normal fluid communication with a source of water and alternatively with a source of ion-exchange regenerating fluid, said selector valve being automatically movable from a first normal position wherein it provides passage between said source of water and said first inlet to a second position wherein it provides passage between said source of regenerating fluid and said second inlet, means for automatically moving said selector valve into and out of said first and second positions, and acid neutralizing means positioned upstream of said ion-exchange chamber, said acid neutralizing means being positioned downstream of said automatic selector valve.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein a by-pass outlet is in fluid communication with said ion-exchange chamber, said by-pass outlet having means to selectively withdraw liquid from said ion-exchange chamber as it passes therethrough from said source of liquid.

3. The invention of claim 1 wherein said automatic selector valve is electrically controlled.

4. The invention of claim 3 wherein the electrical controls for said automatic selector valve include a solenoid.

5. In a Washing machine, a wash tub, means for delivering water to said wash tub, ion-exchange means for softening said water by removal of salts therefrom to permit its delivery to said tub, acid neutralizing means upstream of said ion-exchange means, regenerating means for regenerating said ion-exchange means, automatic selector means for selectively and alternatively providing a liquid connection between said ion-exchange means and said tub and between said ion-exchange means and said regenerating means, said acid neutralizing means being positioned downstream of said automatic selector means, cycling means operatively connected to said tub to cycle the contents of said tub through selected washing, rinsing and spinning steps, said cycling means being operatively connected to said automatic selector means to change the position thereof at a predetermined stage in the wash cycle.

6. The invention of claim 5 wherein said automatic selector means normally provides a fluid connection between the ion-exchange means and the tub with said automatic selector means being automatically moved to provide a connection between the ion-exchange means and the regenerating means during the spin stage of the washing cycle.

7. The invention of claim 5 wherein said automatic selector means is electrically controlled.

8. The invention of claim 7 wherein the electrical controls for the automatic selector means include a solenoid.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,204,767 9/1965 Borochaner 6813 X WILLIAM I. PRICE, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 

